Website design By BotEap.comThe Affenpinscher is a robust, intelligent, terrier-like toy dog ​​that is generally well adapted to life in today’s smaller dwellings. Early Affenpinscher socialization is critical, so be sure to buy from a responsible breeder who has given the puppies plenty of loving attention and exposed them to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and smells. Because toy puppies are so small and fragile, it is unlikely that he will be allowed to take them home until he is 12 weeks old. Affenpinschers are relatively rare and have small litters of two or three puppies, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a long time to get a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Website design By BotEap.comTrusted places to start your search are the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the Affenpinscher Club of America, the AKC-recognized national club for the breed. The Affenpinscher Club of America (ACA) offers a wealth of information on the breed for newcomers and seasoned fanciers alike. They also offer a breeder referral service, through which you can locate ACA member breeders in your part of the country. ACA breeders must adhere to a code of ethics in their breeding programs; this offers security to the prospective Affenpinscher owner, who is looking for a reputable breeder he can trust. If you’re interested in an adult Affenpinscher rather than a puppy, the ACA also has an active rescue program that can help you find an Affenpinscher in need of a new home.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen trying to decide which puppy is right for you, study the breed standard and ask to see at least the mother, all the puppies in the litter, and if possible other relatives. If you are lucky, the father will be on the premises, although this is not always the case.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you plan to purchase an Affenpinscher, try to visit the potential pet in its original environment. Seeing the temperament of the parents and the puppy in your own home will help identify personality traits. If this is impossible, then it is important to contact other Affenpinscher owners and the breed club to find out the reputation of your potential puppy’s breeder. Horror stories abound of people who have impulsively bought a cute little puppy and paid more money than the cost of a potential show from a reputable breeder. The temperament and health related problems that have been encountered with poorly bred puppies are tragic indeed.

Website design By BotEap.comA responsible breeder is likely to ask you a lot of questions to ensure that you are providing a suitable home for an Affenpinscher puppy. Don’t be offended, as these questions will also help you find the puppy that best suits your personality and lifestyle. Keep in mind that if you have young children, the Affenpinscher is probably not an appropriate breed for you. Before you begin your search for a puppy, you should read as much as you can about the breed and rank the qualities that are most important to you. Be sure to make your wishes clear to the breeder, who has been observing the puppies since birth and will be more familiar with their individual characteristics than you might be during a brief visit. Also, if you aspire to show your Affenpinscher, the breeder can use her experience to predict to the best of her ability which puppy is more promising.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen you go to visit the breeder and the litter, you should already have decided if you want a calmer and quieter dog or a more outgoing and assertive one. Observe each puppy carefully. All the puppies are cute, of course, but which one seems to be the most curious, the most playful, etc.? What could be the best guard dog or the strongest companion if you want the dog to accompany you on long walks?

Website design By BotEap.comIt’s not uncommon for Affenpinschers to be a little wary of strangers at first, but the puppies will soon come to you in familiar surroundings with a little encouragement from their breeder. An occasional pup can be quite aloof, which may indicate more caution than you want. The ideal pup for the show or obedience ring is extremely outgoing. Affenpinschers tend to be stubborn, try holding a puppy in your arms on its back for a moment. If the puppy frantically struggles to escape instead of relaxing in your arms, he can become a very dominant dog that can be more difficult to train.

Website design By BotEap.comAsk what health tests have been done on the puppy and the parents, ask to see documentation of the test results, and ask what type of written health guarantee the breeder will provide. At a minimum, you should be given a few days to take the pup to your vet for a full checkup and be able to return it for a full refund if any issues are found. It is not enough to be able to exchange a sickly puppy for another from the same inferior litter!

Website design By BotEap.comOlder Affenpinschers, retired show dogs, or retired breeding animals that have been spayed or neutered often make excellent pets. This breed is highly trainable and very adaptable if introduced to the family calmly and consistently. Most older dogs accept crate training and appreciate scheduled quiet time in a comfortable enclosure. Be sure to allow the dog to visit your bathroom area immediately after the break. Gradually introduce the newly adopted adult to a new or different environment after being let out and exercised for an adequate period of time. A secure exercise pen or fenced yard is necessary for all small dogs.